Council mulls town pool

The Township Council is pressing forward with a study that could help decide whether an aquatic center will be built.

By:Brian Shappell
   The Township Council is pressing forward with a study that could help decide whether an aquatic center will be built.
   The council voted 4-1 to borrow $54,000 for a study that will determine the cost of the swimming facility, how much revenue would be generated, what residents would like to see it include and how many memberships might be purchased.
   Council members and township Department of Recreation and Community Affairs representatives have said the facility, which could include water slides, concession stands and fitness rooms, would be beneficial to members of the community of all ages.
   Councilman Frank Gambatese said it was important to go ahead with the study quickly or the project may be more difficult to complete.
   Mayor Debra Johnson said getting the study started is a relief.
   "We know the community needs a center for recreation," Mayor Johnson said Wednesday. "An aquatic center will be good for every member of our community."
   She added that the study will allow the township to "to make sure we can do it well and in a way the township can afford."
   Councilman Ted Van Hessen voted against the bond ordinance because he said the council should have found room in the 2001 budget to pay for the study.
   "To bond to study a question like this is not an appropriate use for our borrowing power," said Mr. Van Hessen.
   Although endorsing the concept, Mr. Van Hessen said in April he was hesitant to support the proposed center because it could compete with local businesses and "blur the edges between public and private sectors."
   Other council members said an aquatic center would not have an impact on the private sector because there are not many recreation businesses in town.
   Based on the public outreach, analysis of similar facilities and estimated cost of construction, the study would determine how to make the aquatic center appealing and cost efficient.
   Earlier this year, township professionals began looking at similar facilities in the area, like Crystal Springs in East Brunswick, to determine what features and costs would be involved with establishing the aquatic center.
   The Crystal Springs water facility, owned and operated by the township of East Brunswick, was built six years ago at a cost of $2.1 million. It employs 135 people during the summer.
   The facility has a variety of pools for different uses and ages, two water slides, a lazy river that travels throughout the complex, basketball and volleyball courts, a concession stand, a gift store, picnic table and locker rooms. The complex, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, has made money every year, except the summer of 2000 when it rained much of the time, according to East Brunswick officials.
   Family membership for East Brunswick residents is $285. For non-residents it is $560. The facility has averaged about 1,350 family memberships, but the facility makes about half its money from people who pay for a one-day admission, East Brunswick officials said.